10 Tools For Any Virtual Assistant

Let’s admit it!  As a Virtual Assistant, you have to be a master multi-tasker and a jack of many trades. Thankfully technology has made our jobs manageable with the everyday tasks that pop up, such as setting up appointments, sending emails, and updating business social media pages. Here are some tools that we use (and love) at On Point Executive Center.  Let us know if they make your life easier, and if you have any to add to our list!

1. Dropbox

Dropbox is free to download and includes a plentiful bucket of storage (still free).  As needed, for a monthly fee, you can add more space. Dropbox utilizes cloud storage which allows you to easily share photos and files with co-workers or clients. Log in from anywhere, at any computer, and your files will still be safe and sound.

2. Skype

Skype is also free. Loaded with perks, including free international calls, this is a great way to host a video conference call and other various meetings. You can also use the chat feature to stay connected with clients and co-workers 24 hours a day (or whenever you are online).

3. Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is our go-to when it comes to email. It is extremely functional and easy to use. It also has many settings to help you customize greeting’s, signatures and emails exactly how you want them. There is also a calendar feature, great for setting appointment and meetings.

4. Canva

Canva is a go-to tool when it comes to easy-to-use graphic design and editing tools for creating images for your website or social media pages. Canva is also free and does not require any previous experience to use the platform to its fullest. You can use the ‘free images’ option or purchase premium images for only $1 a piece.  You can also upload your own branded fonts, logos, images and more.  We give Canva am #onpoint 5-star rating!

5. Pixabay

Pixabay (again, FREE) is a usable stock image site. It is less well known but has thousands of high-quality gorgeous images to choose from and download. Paying for images can get pricey.  We love FREE image sites!

6. DocuSign

DocuSign allows users to send confidential documents to clients and other users to be signed, saved and e-filed into their system, saving you precious time and avoiding the hassle of waiting or faxing documents.  It has some terrific auto-generated features which save loads of time sending updated documents back and forth between parties.

7. Tailwind/Buffer

Tailwind and Buffer are great at helping you schedule posts on multiple social media platforms. You can use these apps for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Tailwind even has a hashtag tool that will recommend the best hashtags for you. Keep in mind the free version of Buffer only lets you pick up to 3 sites to use its services for.

8. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a very popular email marketing tool that allows you to build amazing email campaigns for your products and services.  Similar to Constant Contact, but in our opinion, more robust and flexible to use.

9. Google Docs

FREE, easy to use (when you have a Gmail account) and accessible from any device. Your documents can be shared between users and edited on simultaneously. Making this a great tool for co-workers doing a group project.

10. Google Calendar

Google Calendar, like Google Docs, is free, well known and easy to use. Share your calendar with co-workers and proceed with peace of mind that you are never double booked. You can also create various sub-calendars such as appointments, interviews, and project deadlines.

We hope this list of tools prove to be as useful to you as they are to our virtual assistants.  If you have any to share with us, we would love to hear from you!

 

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